You all know we like our bicycles, but in Japan scooters rule. Pink Tentacle has a great collection of modified Japanese scooters. They all look really fast, but I assume underneath all the fiberglass and metal is a little scooter engine. It’s not all that bad, they are environmentally friendly, compared to cars, and you will save a lot on gas.
More pictures of Modified Scooters In Japan
18 thoughts on “Modding scooters in Japan”
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Slow?? That’s a Suzuki Burgman 650cc!! Top speed of 120mph, and with those mods that I see in the pic I dare say that probably has a 0 to 60 time just shy of 4 seconds.
I just LOVE how many Americans equate scooters with slow. My Vespa GTS250 beats most BMW’s and riced up Hondas off the line with no hope. But, every time I stop at the store, I get the ignorant comments:
-Is that electric?
-You need a licence for that?
-You mean you take that on the freeway? No way I’d go on there with a 30 mph moped (It’s an 80mph motorcycle…)
-I had a Cushman in the 50’s…just like it! (And no, a metal frame with a brigs and stratton 4hp motor is NOT the same as an ’06 Piaggio)
It’s funny how many in this country want to save gas and find alternatives to the transportation they have, but insist on keeping bigoted stereotypes on technology used in other parts of the world based on 40+ year old perceptions on what scooters “Should” be to Americans.
Before going off-base on a comment that pretty much slams motorscooters, try doing some research first. Many 150 to 400cc scooters outrun their “Traditional” motorcycle counterparts and have the same acceleration times as $40,000 sport coupes.
It has that Akira feel to it.
there’s no dragging a knee on that contraption, i’ll wager. i’d be impressed if it could turn at all.
To those who aren’t scooter aficionados, scooters will always be the slow cousin to the proper motorcycle. This stereotype isn’t exactly unjust. The vast majority of people I know who own and ride scooters have those that fall into the 50cc <35mph category, because there is no need for insurance, a license or tags. These let them get from their places to campus through the city at normal traffic speeds, and they're able to park pretty much anywhere you can park a bicycle. Most of these people(such as myself) are single college students, without much need for a car in the first place(although it certainly does help!).
The reason most people would be scared to take one on the highway, or ask if you need a license, is because most people are only familiar with these examples that are limited to about 35mph, in which case no, I wouldn't recommend taking on the highway and no you don't need a license.
and yes, people are after better MPG and all that, but think of exactly how practical a scooter or even proper motorcycle is for most families, which is to say not at all. In addition, many many many many MANY people out there are terrified of anything that doesn't put a cage around them. And as far as the environment is concerned, if you're one to buy into the anti-car propaganda anyway, remember that bikes have what amounts to an open exhaust system, with no catalytic converters.
the best part is seeing the “tough” guys riding on them.
Funny how in Japan it’s perfectly masculine for two men to ride a scooter together. For my American mind, it’s never cool.
Maybe they get high MPG, but they are definitely NOT “eco friendly”. Little two stroke engines like scooters, chain saws, leaf blowers, etc. produce huge amounts of air pollution.
As an addition to your cars, a scooter is a great idea. I live less than 5 miles from my job, and my 125 cc scoot gets me to and from work most days, when it’s not raining, while getting over 80 mpg. Since it’s just me most days, why haul another 1500 pounds of steel around with me?
Though I will agree with you on the cage aspect, but people have the same reaction to my Scion xA, especially when I drop my daughter off at day care in it. “Isn’t it unsafe? It’s so small.”
All the scooters they showed have four stroke engines. The only ones that don’t are 50 cc. They don’t have catalytic converters, but I bet that they’re putting less NOx into the atmosphere than some huge V8, and there are a lot more of those on the road than scooters.
The Yamaha C3 has a Catalitic Converter, and it 4 stroke.
So you polution comment is not very valid anymore since 2007, get with the times!!!!!!
@Morgan,
It’s still an ICE….but yes they are a lot better than 2-smokers!